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Excellent idea! I gave away one of those "China bags" recently, thinking why would I ever need this again. Now I know why I should have kept it - for just in case I have to check a bag. But I must say, I do everything possible to avoid checking a bag! I have a 36 L Osprey that fit in the overhead on a recent Lufthansa flight. It's 22" high if I don't fill the "top" puffy part. I carry a personal bag ("string bag") with a few things from my backpack to make that backpack fit their rules. And I wear my hoodie and rain jacket on the plane! Whatever it takes to avoid checking a bag, I'll do it!Thought I’d share our solution since I spent way too much time thinking about this. Our 36 liter Osprey packs measured too large for carry-on with Lufthansa and I didn’t really want to carry them through the airport to a connecting flight. On the way to Porto I used the blue IKEA bags w/ zipper which did ok but tore to the point it didn’t seem worth hanging onto them during our trip. I knew we could get bags wrapped at the airport but was concerned about where and what time they opened, and the cost is €14 each. I found 2 huge zipper bags designed for bedding at a ‘China Store’ and a roll of clear tape €8 total. The gate agent was super careful making sure the baggage label stuck. The tape came right off once we got home so they can be reused. Problem solved!
This is my common routine, too. I usually send an empty duffel bag up to Santiago as soon as I arrive in Spain. Then when I get to Santiago I fill it with olive oil, pimentón, some Galician canned seafood (sounds awful but some of them are delicious and this stand in the Santiago market is great), cheese, and good beans/alubias. YUM! (and though people always ask, I have never had a leakage of olive oil - always use cans or plastic bottles and wrap them in my clothes and a bit of plastic bubble wrap).I purchased the Osprey Airporter medium for my Exos at a decent sale price. I pack a fresh set of clothes and lightweight shoes together with a tough plastic bag and a printed label addressed to Casa Ivar all inside together with gaffa tape rolled around one walking pole. Once out of the airport I pack the airporter bag, shoes and clean clothes into the bag and I have my pre printed label with ivars details and my email and tel no on it. I wrap the parcel tightly with the gaffa and pop into the closest post office.
It is a lovely feeling putting on fresh clothes and shoes after the camino for your flight home.
I agree, our packs come with us. One year we lost train reservation, two night of hotel because our bags never left Newark.I've had several pilgrims arrive in Madrid without their pack.
All had to re-gear while they waited, sometimes more than 3 weeks, to get their gear.
I will never check my pack TO Madrid unless I'm forced.
But yes, these China bags are great for flying home.
No question, it’s a very low risk. But if it happens to you, as it did to me in 2014, it can cause major disruptions. Especially for people coming from overseas.I have sent my Osprey pack twice as luggage and had no problems. Just saying
Buen Camino Bob
I never have and never will check in my pack!I've had several pilgrims arrive in Madrid without their pack.
All had to re-gear while they waited, sometimes more than 3 weeks, to get their gear.
I will never check my pack TO Madrid unless I'm forced.
But yes, these China bags are great for flying home.
No question, it’s a very low risk. But if it happens to you, as it did to me in 2014, it can cause major disruptions. Especially for people coming from overseas.
I did once witness an already harassed traveller disputing their soft-sided case with the check-in staff and when asked to fit it in the metal bin at the gate shoved it in and jumped on it so as to cram it in.I have a 36L backpack I bring onboard with me, but I always check the particular airline's dimenensions for carrry-on luggage as it does seem like some are shrinking in size. I try to pack it a little loosely, so it can still fit in the metal bins used to verify size dimensions before boarding. No problem so far.
I have seen similar a couple of times myself...minus the jumping.I did once witness an already harassed traveller disputing their soft-sided case with the check-in staff and when asked to fit it in the metal bin at the gate shoved it in and jumped on it so as to cram it in.
He won the argument but couldn’t get the case back out and missed the flight. I admit I laughed; don’t judge me - so did everyone else.
Oh, they were there.don't remember those bins 5+ years ago.
Probably, but at that time they were not "nickeling and dimeing" everyone with as many add on costs for every little thing. Now they watch what you are bringing on board like a hawk.Oh, they were there.
I don't know if it's always "nickel and diming" so much as making sure that every passenger with the correct size carry-on has space in the overhead bin. When people put oversized items in the bin they sometimes have to put them in sideways, which can take the space of two proper sized carry-on bags.Probably, but at that time they were not "nickeling and dimeing" everyone with as many add on costs for every little thing. Now they watch what you are bringing on board like a hawk.
Yes, and I personally notice it escalating over recent years, especially on the domestic flights I take a few times each year.Certainly low cost carriers keep their prices so low by charging extra fees, however.
Michael O’Leary, of Ryanair fame is reputed to have ordered a pint of Guinness in Dublin several years ago.Probably, but at that time they were not "nickeling and dimeing" everyone with as many add on costs for every little thing. Now they watch what you are bringing on board like a hawk.
That's what I'm talkin' about.Michael O’Leary, of Ryanair fame is reputed to have ordered a pint of Guinness in Dublin several years ago.
‘That’ll be €1, Mr O’Leary’
‘My God, that’s cheap!’
‘Will you be wanting to rent a glass to put it in?’
I’ve just booked several flights for next year with a mid-range carrier and there were 4 pricing elements including the headline price.
I like the fact that I can choose the level of convenience and comfort I want to pay for. When people moan about airfares going up, I roll my eyes and remember that 50 years ago, I had to pay about 10% of my gross (before tax) annual income to fly to Europe. Sure, I got meals, nice cutlery, maybe a wider seat, and 2 free checked bags, but given a choice, I would not have spent that money on those trivialities!they were not "nickeling and dimeing" everyone with as many add on costs for every little thing
Exactly. People moan when their 31€ fare on Ryanair doesn't include seat selection or carry-on luggage.I like the fact that I can choose the level of convenience and comfort I want to pay for. When people moan about airfares going up, I roll my eyes and remember that 50 years ago, I had to pay about 10% of my gross (before tax) income to fly to Europe. Sure, I got meals, nice cutlery, maybe a wider seat, and 2 free checked bags, but given a choice, I would not have spent that money on those trivialities!
Nowadays even a Business Class ticket is much more affordable than the Economy fare of yore.
Yes, I do like all the options. I flew to Sedona with a friend in August and we were able to "share" one carryon between us as it was very hot and we needed no heavy clothing to hike. Call me a cheapskate, but why pay extra for things you don't need. I did pick an aisle seat at an extra cost cuz wearing a mask wedged between two others seemed like it would be claustrophobic.Exactly. People moan when their 31€ fare on Ryanair doesn't include seat selection or carry-on luggage.
I think, to be fair, that people moan because it doesn’t include a *seat*. What is a fare without a seat? Gas and parking I suppose… But they sell you the seat as though you are paying for the selection… so OK, I ”choose” the seat instead of having it assigned, but if I don’t choose a seat, it won’t be assigned (YMMV — some places will still let you have that last seat on the plan by the lavatories if you don’t select ahead of time) but many simply won’t allow you to board until you’ve paid for a “selection”. In other words: for the seat that used to be what we understood the fare was for.Exactly. People moan when their 31€ fare on Ryanair doesn't include seat selection or carry-on luggage.
On what airline does this happen? If one doesn't choose a seat, then a seat is assigned at check in.but many simply won’t allow you to board until you’ve paid for a “selection”. In other words: for the seat that used to be what we understood the fare was for.
Bc it’s marketing (low low fares!!!) and some people actually won’t pay for a meal, or an aisle seat, or extra bags, etc.Just sell the $520 flight, with taxes and baggage, airport fees, the meal all bundled in it.
I was on a flight to Egypt (decades ago). A gentleman rolled a bag almost as big as I am down the aisle. It was entertaining to watch him try dozens of times to make it fit, although this was delaying the flight. A flight attendant went rushing back to where he was, assuring him in German-accented English it wouldn’t fit. A tug of war ensued. People were betting on the outcome. She won, bag was handed off—in flight movie was a bit boring after all that.I did once witness an already harassed traveller disputing their soft-sided case with the check-in staff and when asked to fit it in the metal bin at the gate shoved it in and jumped on it so as to cram it in.
He won the argument but couldn’t get the case back out and missed the flight. I admit I laughed; don’t judge me - so did everyone else.
As I said, a seat might be assigned at check in without a fee, but that seat may easily be near the lavatory, or on the part of the fuselage that is so narrow that you have to see in a fetal position (happened to me NYC to Stockholm on Delta)…On what airline does this happen? If one doesn't choose a seat, then a seat is assigned at check in.
Isn't that why you have the choice to pay for a better seat in advance?that seat may easily be near the lavatory, or on the part of the fuselage that is so narrow that you have to see in a fetal position (happened to me NYC to Stockholm on Delta)…
In theory... yes, but in practice, not always.Isn't that why you have the choice to pay for a better seat in advance?
It doesn't help the peevishness to exaggerate with suggestions that people must pay for access to toilets, or that carriers are denying seats to people who pay a fare.people are feeling rather peevish about it
It doesn't help the peevishness to exaggerate with suggestions that people must pay for access to toilets, or that carriers are denying seats to people who pay a fare.
I generally feel this way also, and when I feel otherwise, I spring for the upgraded seat etc.I prefer the current situation: never liked airline food, rarely check a bag, sleep too hot for a blanket, and don’t care where I sit! If I don’t have to pay hundreds extra for items you need that I don’t, it’s fine by me.
OK. I'm a bit confused. I've always used the blue IKEA zip bag and had no problem but, as has been stated here, "Past performance is no predictor of future results."
I don't think my backpack would fit in one of those test models for carryon bags. Is it just that ALL of my past bp's have been too big? I can't imagine getting by with a smaller one, although I know some people do it. Do people call their bags oversized, like bicycles??
Fit your bp to you not carryon size. That said, my osprey exos 46 (bought for the frame, I didn’t come close to filling it) measures 52x36 cm at tallest/widest empty. Iberia carry on limits now are 56x40 (x25). I packed essential and then PITA to replace items to a depth less than the max and cinched down all straps.OK. I'm a bit confused. I've always used the blue IKEA zip bag and had no problem but, as has been stated here, "Past performance is no predictor of future results."
I don't think my backpack would fit in one of those test models for carryon bags. Is it just that ALL of my past bp's have been too big? I can't imagine getting by with a smaller one, although I know some people do it. Do people call their bags oversized, like bicycles??
From St Louis Airport several Madrid bound checked backpack as luggage: ditto safe arrivals. However, I was flying American direct to Madrid, therefore (what am I saying!), surrely luggage could not get lost on a direct flight?I have sent my Osprey pack twice as luggage and had no problems. Just saying
Buen Camino Bob
We're going to do the Norte in 2 weeks and rather than pay for 2 bags in the luggage haul we're using this bag for putting both in and save £30. Great if there's 2 of you going and saves moneyThought I’d share our solution since I spent way too much time thinking about this. Our 36 liter Osprey packs measured too large for carry-on with Lufthansa and I didn’t really want to carry them through the airport to a connecting flight. On the way to Porto I used the blue IKEA bags w/ zipper which did ok but tore to the point it didn’t seem worth hanging onto them during our trip. I knew we could get bags wrapped at the airport but was concerned about where and what time they opened, and the cost is €14 each. I found 2 huge zipper bags designed for bedding at a ‘China Store’ and a roll of clear tape €8 total. The gate agent was super careful making sure the baggage label stuck. The tape came right off once we got home so they can be reused. Problem solved!
That sounds like my worst nightmare! I'm happy your bag arrived safely. Thanks for the warning. Do you think if you had the opportunity for "early boarding" it would have prevented this from happening? I'll definitely make a point to board as early as possible in the future. I never check a bag and would freak out if they took my backpack. Buen Camino!I was forced to gate check my pack this time.Why? Because lots of the premium seat holders had carry ons that were mostly definitely pushing the size limits. I gave the young guy at the counter what was probably my stern momma face and said “if you lose this I’m screwed. I’m walking over 500 miles in Spain.” He gave me a solemn nod and added extra stickers to it. I was a nervous wreck at baggage claim but she was there, and none the worse for wear.
That’s pretty much how I felt about it too. I had paid a bit more to chose my seat expecting it would get me to at least board in the middle but it was all the premium/business passengers and that was it for carry on. It was a smallish plane headed to jfk for the international flight. It looked to me like the international flight had plenty of space. If you can get a direct international flight from where you live that probably would have made the difference.That sounds like my worst nightmare! I'm happy your bag arrived safely. Thanks for the warning. Do you think if you had the opportunity for "early boarding" it would have prevented this from happening? I'll definitely make a point to board as early as possible in the future. I never check a bag and would freak out if they took my backpack. Buen Camino!
Thanks for the update! I fly from Orlando to wherever and they are generally large airplanes. Still, I'm going to remember this! Buen Camino!That’s pretty much how I felt about it too. I had paid a bit more to chose my seat expecting it would get me to at least board in the middle but it was all the premium/business passengers and that was it for carry on. It was a smallish plane headed to jfk for the international flight. It looked to me like the international flight had plenty of space. If you can get a direct international flight from where you live that probably would have made the difference.
I watched a documentary about BOAC in the 1930s. The men wore suits and hats and the pilot was smoking a pipe. En route to Cairo one of the cabin crew came round and said ‘The captain says the weather in Nice is particularly good and wonders if you would like to stop off for lunch?’ And they did!Bc it’s marketing (low low fares!!!) and some people actually won’t pay for a meal, or an aisle seat, or extra bags, etc.
I regret the loss of legroom over the years, and loss of common courtesy…otoh in the good old days women wore stockings and heels…last time I did that on a flight was in the 80s.
Yes that would be great, but it appears Vueling is strict on their carry on size. I have a flight from Barcelona to San Sebastián that I think my 35L bag is too big for, so I will have to check the bag.When I look at the size of some of the carry-on luggage people haul onto the aircraft I would never hesitate to carry-on a 36lt or smaller pack. I've read too many comments on here from folk losing their packs in transit - with the accompanying stress of (sometimes) having to purchase replacements.
Oh no! My stuff has been assembled over many years. I wouldn't cope! I only ever take my pack as cabin luggage.Just heard from a forum member whose checked backpack was lost in transit. They were heading to Decathlon to replenish and taking it all in stride. I am not sure I would have been as sanguine about it!
100% agree, i have spend way too long researching and acquiring to check my pack into the hold. It does meant you need to buy some stuff when you arrive, but happy to do that.Oh no! My stuff has been assembled over many years. I wouldn't cope! I only ever take my pack as cabin luggage.
That is true Mary. In October my wife and I flew from Atlanta to CDG and had no problems with packs in the overhead. The return journey, from MAD to JFK...no problems, but from JFK to Atlanta it was a different aircraft with much smaller overheads. We were very lucky as the people behind us did not have carry-on luggage and we were able to get our packs in sideways. Would have been difficult had there been more demand on the overhead from others. My lesson here...direct overseas flights (out of the US anyway) tend to have the bigger aircraft and more expansive overheads. You do, though, take your chances on some domestic legs.Yes that would be great, but it appears Vueling is strict on their carry on size. I have a flight from Barcelona to San Sebastián that I think my 35L bag is too big for, so I will have to check the bag.
Good idea. I always carry on my pack, but if I couldn’t because of its size, I would stuff all the contents into some disposable carry-on bag and hope the pack arrived. Replacing a pack would be a pain, but much much less of a pain than replacing all its contents.I did carry on flight an ultra light nylon pack that I put my socks and underwear, and my small stuff sleeping bag ‘in case’.
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